PITTSBURGH — Offensive tackle Willie Colon is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers after signing a one-year contract with the Super Bowl champions.

The Steelers, who announced the signing Wednesday, tendered a one-year offer of $2,198,000 to the restricted free agent last month. If Colon had signed elsewhere and the Steelers failed to match that offer, they would have received a first-round draft pick as compensation.

The Steelers selected Colon in the fourth round of the 2006 draft out of Hofstra. He entered the starting lineup at right tackle during the final two games of his rookie season has been the starter since.

Both of the Steelers' starting offensive tackles will return next season. Earlier, they designated left tackle Max Starks as their franchise player, a move that guarantees him a salary of at least $8,451,000.